What Is the Difference Between a Neurologist and a Functional Neurologist?

Patients suffering from traumatic brain injury or concussions hardly find treatments for optimal recovery. Neurology is a specialized field of medical care that deals with brain and body issues. Doctors usually treat neurological disorders using medication.

Functional neurology targets the nervous system and treats the brain. It does this through adjustments and other non-invasive techniques. Here is information on these two professionals and their fields.

Conventional Neurology

A medical neurologist treats:

• Neurological disorders

• Traumatic brain injury or concussions

• Spinal conditions

• Nervous system disorders

A comprehensive exam helps determine the patient's condition. The neurologist will conduct several studies and neurocognitive tests to diagnose the condition.

Medical images of the brain offer vital information on the internal brain structure. Technology can help detect micro-bleeding and tissue damage caused by head injuries. Neurosurgery often treats severe complications.

Functional Neurology

The brain and the nervous system are susceptible to change in response to various stimuli. The functional neurologist helps diagnose and manage neurological conditions with the objective of neurological rehabilitation.

A chiropractor focuses on non-invasive methods that allow the body to heal itself. The treatment techniques here are effective for brain injury rehabilitation. They also help restore and optimize body functions.

Analyzing Brain Injury Symptoms

Medical neurology relies on exam results and symptoms to develop a diagnosis. Unfortunately, test results can be inconsistent for mild or moderate injury patients. With different results from each exam session, it can be hard to determine the real issue. Patients with fluctuating symptoms can remain undiagnosed.

This is since technology fails to detect microscopic or non-bleeding brain damage. Early-stage treatment is often lacking as medical images fail to detect mild or moderate trauma.

Invisible Brain Injuries

Brain injuries are not always visible in medical images. Many patients feel misunderstood as tests show no injuries, yet they know how they feel. A concussion can be life-changing and debilitating. It can be frustrating when no diagnosis is forthcoming.

The patient can finally get answers and a solution with functional neurology. It is an effective treatment option for patients looking for brain injury rehabilitation. Patients who fail to recover using traditional treatments can find relief.

Effective Treatment for Brain Injuries

Functional neurologists treat brain injuries. They do this by finding the root cause of the imbalance and symptoms occurring after trauma. They work on the premise that all brain injuries are different. This course of treatment comes up with a customized approach for each patient. Various therapies help re-balance the nervous system and encourage new brain neuron growth. It allows patients to enjoy a well-balanced approach to healing.

Most neurological conditions do not require surgical solutions. Therapeutic strategies enhance the following in patients:

• Physical functions

• Cognitive functions

• Emotional functions

• Behavioral functions

These offer solutions that do not bring about the side effects of medications.

For more on neurology and functional neurology or to schedule an appointment, call Bagnell Brain Center at (305) 889-7488 to reach our office in Pinecrest, Florida.

​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​